16 Best Hotels in Orange County and Catalina Island, California

The most opulent of Disneyland's three hotels, the Craftsman-style Grand Californian offers views of Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney. Guests enjoy sitting in the lobby in rocking chairs with a drink and small bites by a crackling fire. The orange-blossom tree theme guest rooms have wood floors, plenty of outlets for charging devices, and sleeping chairs and bench beds for families. Some guest rooms look out onto Downtown Disney, while others have views of the pools and woods. There are also club-level rooms and one to three bedroom suites with access to the hotel's concierge club. This elegant 6th floor concierge room offers helpful service, plus complimentary food, treats, drinks, and afternoon tea. Wine, desserts, and firework viewing is offered in the evening.

Restaurants include the refreshed Napa Rose, Hearthstone Lounge and Storytellers Cafe. Overlooking the multiple swimming pools is Craftsman Grill for all-day dining and Craftsman Lounge offering a lunch and dinner menu.

Tanya Stone Spa is inspired by the spirits of nature. When the spa was built, the designers repurposed the wood from this site to create the beautiful flooring.

Guests can enter both parks 30 minutes earlier than everyone else not staying at one of the Disneyland Hotels.

Fun Fact: There are hidden Mickeys and the faces of Chip and Dale in the pretty poppy theme carpeting throughout the hotel, and on a clockface of a grandfather clock near the Arts-and-Crafts-style wood-panel lobby.

Staying at one of the happiest places on Earth is almost as fun as visiting both Disney parks. The lobby has giant teacup seating, and a memorabilia wall of historical photos featuring Walt and Roy Disney breaking ground to build this imaginative land. There are four different towers: Fantasy Tower, Adventure Tower, and the new Discovery Tower Villas offering more of the comforts of home. In the Fantasy and Adventure Towers, guest rooms have blue and gold theme carpeting, plus wood wall reliefs above the bed of Sleeping Beauty's castle; push a button and a firework display of white lights appear above the castle, while soft Disney theme music plays. The Adventure Tower offers Signature Suites that include a Mickey Mouse Suite, an Adventure Suite with clawfoot bathtub, and a Pirates of the Caribbean suite. The newer Discovery Villas offer a variety of themed guest rooms with magical touches. These rooms are available to the public until they sell out with Vacation Club owners.

After exploring the Disney parks, come back to the tropical oasis pool area offering two towering monorail theme waterslides, a fun water play area, two different swimming pools, and Mickey and Minnie hot whirlpools. Disney characters join in the fun, greeting guests throughout the day during the summer.

Dining options include the Polynesian Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar, and Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar and Grill. Goofy's Kitchen offers all-you-can-eat buffets with character meet-and-greet opportunities.

This Marriott Autograph Collection resort is located at the gateway of the exclusive Lido Island and three blocks from the beach. Modeled after a New England--style beach house, the Cape Cod decor is cheerful with hints of nautical from the high-gloss hardwood floors in the lobby to the blown-glass chandeliers in the restaurant. Miniature yacht models are found throughout, along with playful decor such as a partying mermaid and octopus mural near the elevator.

The lively rooftop named Topside is the only rooftop lounge in the area where locals and guests gather for sunset cocktails. There is a full service bar, and a vibrant sound system for live music.

Guest rooms offer comfy beds and flip-flops instead of slippers for a beach house vibe. There is a heated swimming pool and hot whirlpool to unwind and relax after a day at the beach or boating in nearby Newport Harbor. Five on-site cottages cater to families with two bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and rooftop views. Pets are welcome for a $150 per room, per stay fee.

The onsite Boost Spa is near the fitness center and pool area. Dine at The Mayor's Table Pacific Pub + Kitchen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant partners with Champagne brand Piper-Heidsieck to make their own Champagne blend.

Built on a picturesque coastal bluff above the Pacific Ocean and Treasure Island Beach, this elegant Craftsmen-style resort features 30 acres of grassy lawns, soft sand beaches, and a stunning mosaic tile swimming pool. Decorated in sophisticated soft coastal colors, guest rooms, suites, and large cottages balance ease and refinement. Every room has an ocean view from its patio or balcony, and an extra-deep bathtub. Of the restaurants, The Loft offers sweeping panoramic ocean views and a refined California-inspired contemporary menu. Locals and guests enjoy lunch and sunset dining  at the newly refreshed Mosaic Bar and Grille. The lobby lounge is popular to greet friends for for pre-dinner and after-dinner drinks. This pet-friendly resort charges a nonrefundable $220 fee for well-mannered dogs and cats weighing under 45 pounds staying in patio rooms. The resort fee includes a complimentary Cadillac car rental program. 

Start your morning with yoga by the heated pool, or play 9 holes of golf on a picturesque course nestled between two canyons. There are ranch-style and two-story contemporary suites. Be sure to take a tour of Leo's Garden beyond the golf course to meet Farmer Leo and see what he is growing for the on-site dining options. Harvest restaurant offers seasonal fare with stunning canyon and golf course views. Take a stroll along a designated path to a pedestrian tunnel leading to Lost Pier, a barefoot café on the sand at Aliso Beach serving California cuisine among palm-fringed ocean views. 

On an oceanfront bluff with an unparalleled view of the Pacific Ocean, you'll find the Ritz's signature top-tier service. On-site dining options offering oceanfront views include renowned chef Richard Sandoval's Pan-Latin RAYA restaurant with its coastal cuisine and elegant ambiance; KAHANI, a modern Indian fusion culinary journey; and Taikun Omakase, offering a curated 16-course one-of-a-kind dining experience. Sunset cocktails are to be sipped at 180blu. Book a massage or facial at the newly refreshed two-story spa near the ocean-view fitness center. Stroll down perfectly manicured trails to the popular public white-sand beach or take one of the beach shuttles to Salt Creek Beach and walk along the picturesque coastline. This playful luxury resort has an on-site EcoAdventure Center to reserve a whale-watching trip, e-bike rental, surf lesson or round of golf.

Resort fees include a beach shuttle ride down to the beach with beach butler service. Guests have use of umbrellas, towels, and beach chairs; unlimited use of tennis and pickleball courts and rackets; discount golf tee times at Monarch Beach Golf Links. Pets are welcome for a $150 pet fee, per room for up to two pets. The main swimming pool has been recently refreshed. There are two new two-bedroom and two-bathroom ocean front penthouse suites. Some rooms have a firepit on the patio. This hotel is dog friendly.

Located on an exquisite stretch of beach with picturesque thundering waves, this is a luxury getaway for those seeking surf, sand, and sun. The new refresh in all the guest rooms and suites includes tranquil coastal colors, private glass balconies for even better ocean views, and plush beds within earshot of the calming sea The fully refreshed spa offers wellness massages and facials. Dine at the on-site Splashes Restaurant and Bar for endless ocean views and top-notch seasonal California fresh cuisine; start with a beverage at sunset on the outdoor deck before enjoying their signature lobster bisque, freshly shucked oysters, grilled seafood, and petite filet steaks. The inviting pool, whirlpool and deck area offers ocean views, and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable about local events. 

Centrally located, this newly renovated Marriott resort is across the street from the popular Fashion Island shopping-and-dining complex. Request a guest room with a balcony or sliding door facing the ocean. Not only will you appreciate the golf course views of the Newport Beach Country Club, but the rooms higher up also have spectacular Newport Harbor and Catalina Island vistas. There are plenty of ways to pamper yourself here: indulge in a massage at the full-service spa, drink cocktails at a poolside cabana, or the lounge with a digital aquarium ceiling. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner onsite at the hotel's VIEW Restaurant and Lounge.

Set on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, step into the Waldorf Astoria's grand lobby to take in an impressive view of the Monarch Pool, 18-hole Monarch Beach Golf Links, and the Pacific Ocean beyond. The extra large Monarch pool deck has luxury cabanas, and two infinity edge saline hot tubs angled for optimal views. Near the full service spa is another swimming pool for laps. The large refreshed guest rooms have spacious patios and balconies or balconies with views of the golf course, lush landscaping, or ocean. Some of the ground floor rooms have a private fire pit. Dining options include celebrity chef Michael Mina's Bourbon Steak, an elegant show-stopping restaurant serving modern, seasonally influenced seafood dishes and expertly prepared dry aged beef. The restaurant's wine selection is among the best along the coast, and the service is impeccable. Aveo Table + Bar highlights all-day Mediterranean cuisine or take a complimentary electric shuttle ride to the casual Monarch Cafe, a favorite for golfers and guests looking for casual fare. Stay on the shuttle for a ride through the golf course and monarch butterfly sanctuary garden to the private Monarch Bay Beach Club. It's a popular spot during the day and at sunset, offering coastal fare, craft cocktails and local beers. There are surf and paddle boards, beach volleyball, and plenty of chairs. The resort fee includes complimentary wellness classes with the sounds of waves crashing nearby, beach games and activities, house bicycles with self-guided tours, and discounted fees at Monarch Beach Gold Links. This is a pet-friendly property, however guests must pay a nonrefundable pet fee starting at $200.

This waterfront resort offers contemporary coastal elegance and one of the best harbor bay views, especially from the spacious bay-view guest rooms. Locals and guests gather at the lively A + O restaurant and bar to take in the pleasing sea breezes while overlooking million-dollar yachts. The resort offers a variety of land and sea wellness and enrichment activities. There is a sparkling swimming pool in the center of the hotel with poolside cabanas and daybeds. Rent a Duffy electric boat or stand-up paddleboard from the resort's private marina. The lawn area next to the marina is a popular spot for weddings, and there is a spa exclusive to hotel guests. Take one of the hotel bicycles for a spin to explore Newport Beach. Dogs are welcome with a non-refundable $200 one-time fee.

Set over a bustling maze of shops, this boutique hotel offers beach decor in a quaint setting. Some guest rooms have balconies overlooking a flower-filled courtyard, while others have ocean views. Many have fireplaces. Room 102, an oceanfront suite with vaulted ceilings and lavish bath, is a pricey indulgence. For a harbor panorama, head for the rooftop deck Jacuzzi open from 10 am to 10 pm. An included continental breakfast is served in the lobby from 7 to 10 am Guests can reserve spa service at Heaven Day Spa.

This adult-only boutique hotel is directly above the sand in South Laguna, and oozes a bohemian vibe in each of the guest rooms and suites. Built in 1948, and recently refreshed by the new owners, this unique cliff-side property offers peaceful rooms with a King-size avocado green floating bed mattress, a sound machine, essential oil diffuser, yoga mat, and mediation pillow. Peaceful suites have have partial or full ocean views of the horizon along with sparkling Laguna coastline lights in the evening. The hotel has a heated pool and whirlpool. Guests with a pet will be charged a one-time fee of $45 per dog, with a two-dog limit per guest room. The new lobby offers morning coffee and tea to take to the beach for a walk accessible from the hotel.